Best all-around car I've had! All my friends are jealous of the Pontiac

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Performance Comfort Fuel Economy Fun To Drive

Interior Design Exterior Design Build Quality Reliability

By synovialbasher

on 09/02/14 05:56 AM (PDT)

Vehicle

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car in February of 2014 with 126xxx miles on it. Currently I have over 133xxx. This car is awesome. I love the interior cockpit design; it really makes the driver feel in charge. The heads up display in this car is by far my favorite feature. It's really hard to find those with other cars nowadays. The GM 3.8 is an amazing motor. Going down the highway I get 30 mpg easily, which is amazing given the size of the car. Whenever a friend of mine gets into my car, their immediate reaction is, "wow, this is a solid car".
Then again, these are people who drive Volkswagens and Hondas... They're shocked on how safe they feel in an American car.

Vehicle

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought the car in 2005 with 6k on it.It's now around 114k and still running splendidly.Never really had any major problems until last year when I accidentally hit a curb.
Soon after had to replace tie rods, brakes found leaks in the coolant tank and power steering reservoirs. Got them all replaced at around 5k, now the car runs like smooth as silk. Even now i get a thrill out of an early morning acceleration rush. the a/c brings temperatures to polar regions in the peak Texan summer effortlessly. The car used to sheer through Michigan snows without so much as a sway. Many friends who had Hondas and Infinitis would ride with me because the stability of the Grand Prix in those conditions.

Best Features

Without a doubt the drivers cockpit and red lighting.

Worst Features

No point the brand is deceased, but it was a fun ride. I will never sell the car, i will drive it till it stops and no one can fix it.

Vehicle

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl S/C 4A)

Review

I have had an amazing experience with this car in terms of it's performance, but for you fellow owners, you have to be VERY AWARE of any issues with your power steering unit as well as any minute leakage that may be undetectable from your water pump.
Watch your temperature gauge for any increase in heat and monitor your coolant levels.
I just experienced the worse case scenario when driving on the freeway and suddenly getting the ping informing me to shut down AC due to engine overheating.
4200.00 later valves had to be replaced and head gaskets machined in addition to much more.
Google make,model,year "engine overheating" for more info.
Please be diligent about this.

Best Features

The quick engine response when I need to merge into oncoming traffic. The ability to know and feel when my car is not quite right, (despite above review). The fact this car has responded so quickly and safely in driving in all types of weather and conditions beyond by control.
It's just so great!
The black leather seats, not so great in the summer.

Worst Features

Deal with the issues so many owners have already had to deal with and have posted online. I understand that if you try to key into specific issues regarding all aspects of this car there is bound to be something, but if I had only known about the water pump issue, I would have been more the rave of my car.
And gas mileage, well it sucks, but with a 280HP engine, you get what you get.

Vehicle

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Purchased my 2004 in 2008, from a local auction with 104k. It has 192k on it. I have gotten excellent service. Oil changed every 3k miles at dealer.
All maintenance done at dealer, the usual wear. Travel south 3x yearly, without problems. Very reliable vehicle. GM stop making, why.
Would or will purchase another and keep current.

Best Features

I like everything about this car. The ride and handling is fantastic. Gas mileage is great. 17 gal gas tank, drive 970 miles on 2.4 tanks of gas. Quiet, smooth ride.

Vehicle

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl S/C 4A)

Review

I bought the car new in December 2003 and am still driving it in 2013 with 105,000 miles.
Got the GTP and it still accelerates like a champ and handles very well.
I'm pleased with the interior with easy to use controls, plus it fits me like a glove.
This car is big but doesn't feel too big like our Chevy Monte Carlo.
Excellent factory stereo, heads up display that should be in every vehicle and a reliable 3.8 engine.
The paint still sparkles, the chrome wheels look great and the body style isn't embarrassing for a 10 year old car.
The problems I've experienced are a recurring problem with the traction control and body squeaks that drive me crazy.
Too much plastic in the interior.

Best Features

Supercharger
Heads up display
Monsoon stereo that sounds way better than our 2010 GMC Acadia.
The Chevy can't even compare.
The color is dark gray and the windows are tinted, both complemented by the chrome wheels.
It still looks good for its age.
The body style IS a little out of date but, hey, it's 10 years old so what do you expect?

Worst Features

So GM discontinued Pontiac but kept Buick.
Good strategy, GM. The impact to me?
I'm about to buy my first Honda or (dare I say it?) Ford.